Cannabis Production and Processing OperationsMANAGING AIR EMISSIONSJulie Saxton PhD P.Chem.AIR QUALITY PLANNER

Esther Bérubé P.Eng.DIVISION MANAGER, BYLAW & REGULATION DEVELOPMENT, AIR QUALITY AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Consultation Meeting, July 24, 201930685887

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Potential Health and Environmental Issues

Volatile organic compounds• Ground-level ozone formation• Particulate matter formation• Odorous air contaminants

NitrogenDioxide

Volatile OrganicCompounds

Ground LevelOzone

sunlight, heat

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Example Emissions from Regional Crops

42015 Lower Fraser Valley Air Emissions Inventory and Forecast, March 2018

C.-T. Wang et al, 2019, Atmospheric Environment, 199, 80-87.C. Albee et al, WashoeCounty Health District.

Emissions of volatile organic compounds in the Canadian Lower Fraser Valley by sector compared to projected potential range of emissions from cannabis production in Metro Vancouver

VOC Emissions Comparison

Fraser Valley Regional District (2015 emissions)

Metro Vancouver(2015 emissions)

Metro Vancouver(projected emissions)

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Policy Drivers

• Odour Management Policy Development Plan

• Regional Ground-Level Ozone Strategy

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Managing Air ContaminantsSubstances emitted into the air capable of

• Injuring health or safety • Injuring property or any life form• Interfering with visibility• Interfering with the normal conduct of

business• Causing material physical discomfort• Damaging the environment

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Emission Management Approaches

• Emissions released at the facility

• Concentrations beyond the facility

• Technology and management practices

• Measurement, monitoring and reporting

• Economic instruments

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Emission Management for Cannabis Production

• Emission Regulations• Agricultural Boilers

• Site-specific Permits• Cannabis cultivation• Reciprocating engines

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Scope of Potential Regulation

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Measures controlling what is discharged:

• Enclosing or containing key emissions sources

• Treating air with activated carbon

• Limiting additional VOC sources

Potential Regulation

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Measures controlling how discharges can occur:

• Preventing the release of fugitive or uncontrolled emissions

• Minimizing risk during airshed air quality degradation

• Preventing impacts near sensitive receptors

Potential Regulation

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Measures providing evidence of effectiveness:

• Approved emissions management plan

• Monitoring for odorous air contaminants beyond property boundary

• Compliance with other applicable regulatory requirements

• Record keeping

Supporting Provisions

Board reviews

consultation feedback

Public consultation

(phase 1)

Board approves

consultation (phase 1)

Discussion paper drafted

Preliminary issue

analysis

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Timeline – Phase 1 of Consultation

From July 2018 February 2019 May 2019 Summer 2019 Winter 2019-20

Board reviews

feedback and directs staff to draft

bylaw

Public consultation

(phase 2)

Board approves

consultation (phase 2)

Proposals refined

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Timeline – Phase 2 of Consultation

Board considers

bylaw adoption

Potential future steps

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Feedback Options

• In person• Meetings• Site visits

• Webinars

• Online and printed questionnaires

• Contact us at 604-432-6200 or AQBylaw@metrovancouver.org

Questions?